Thread: Oosterdam or Monarch

Hi!

Which ship is for me?

I am going to be going in a group of 12 people with ages ranging for 11-65 to mexico. We already booked the monarch because it is filling up very fast, and if we cant find a better cruise, we can change if necessary. I have heard the ship is very old, but for a 4 day cheap cruise, it is worth the value.

On the other hand last night I found out about the Oosterdam. It is a 7 night cruise to cabo, mazaltan, and Puerto Vallarta. Last summer I already went to the ports on the Carnival Pride, but I really like they lay out of the ship and its features.

We have to sail during spring break, our summer is way to busy.

Now what do I choose?

Ewok -
Try checking out these two threads. Each has information on the ship, pictures, cabin details, and deck plans.

http://www.cruiselineforums.com/foru...arch-seas.html

and

http://www.cruiselineforums.com/foru...oosterdam.html

In addition, there MAY be someone on CLF whho has sailed both ships, or at least both lines who can answer any specific questions you may have. I have only sailed Royal Caribbean, but not the Monarch. I have, however, sailed her sister ship, the Sovereign a number of times.

Originally Posted by canarymoon

Ewok -
Try checking out these two threads. Each has information on the ship, pictures, cabin details, and deck plans.

http://www.cruiselineforums.com/foru...arch-seas.html

and

http://www.cruiselineforums.com/foru...oosterdam.html

In addition, there MAY be someone on CLF whho has sailed both ships, or at least both lines who can answer any specific questions you may have. I have only sailed Royal Caribbean, but not the Monarch. I have, however, sailed her sister ship, the Sovereign a number of times.

Wow, those helped a lot, especially with the pics. Our main complaint about the monarch is 1 the age; and 2 they pack a lot of people on the boat.
The Oosterdam is a larger boat, but they dont put many people on that boat. It looks like a better cruise, but more expensive.
For the Oosterdam for an Ocean view room the price was 128 dollars per night for the 1st and 2nd passengers.
On the Monarch it was 132 per night for 1st and second passengers.
The 3rd and 4th passenger rate for the Oosterdam is very cheap, it was less then half of what it was for the 1st and 2nd passenger, which looked like a good deal all by it self.

Any suggestions?

I haven't sailed either, but going on this info I would pick oosterdam!! But if you are late party goers, I would not!! Hal is a little more laid back, but everyone that sails it seem not to mind!!

Can you consider the Vision of the Seas? Same itinerary it sounds like as HAL.........

Yes it sounds like the HAL cruise is the same itinerary as the Vision of the Seas 7 night.......you might want to check it out..........depending on your time frame.......the Vision does Alaska I believe in the summer.

I just got back from the Vision and it is fantastic.............you can also transfer your booking from one RC ship to the other if that is what you choose.

Good luck

One thing all the RC ships have that the HAL ships do not is the Rock Climbing Wall. Don't know how important that is to the folks in your group.

We are looking at HAL because it appeals more to the older members of our party.

As for the rock climing wall, it is not a big deal for our group because none of us are good at that kind of stuff, and does not make a big difference in our cruise selection.

I can understand that.............that would probably be a better choice if most of your group is older........

I think we have decided to stay with the cruise we have(that is if we dont find a better deal), because some members of our party do not want to go for a full week.